October is perfect for outdoor entertainment

St. Augustine Visitors and Convention Bureau Communications Director Jay Humphreys informed St. Johns County reporters at Historic City News that October is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy all of the entertainment the area has to offer.

New for the Month (daily October 1-31)

FLAVORS OF FLORIDA’S HISTORIC COAST

Bring your appetite to nearly 20 different restaurants that will present a “Chef’s Choice” prix fixe (fixed price) three-course meal reflecting their unique flavors and style. Great food, paired with a wide variety of lodging options and enticing cultural events, make October the perfect month to visit St. Augustine • Ponte Vedra on Florida’s Historic Coast. For more information on Flavors of Florida’s Historic Coast, participating restaurants and their menus, visit www.HistoricCoastFlavors.com.

ST. AUGUSTINE CITY WALKS HALLOWEEN AND SAMHAIN TOURS

Through the month of October, St. Augustine City Walks Tours will honor the historical and ancient origins of Halloween and Samhain, The Celtic New Year! Each of their tours, The St. Augustine Pub Crawl; The St. Augustine CREEPY Crawl; History, Mystery, Mayhem & Murder!; Savory Faire ~ A Food Tour with Taste!; and the Plaza Stroll, will celebrate the history and origins of Halloween’s modern day customs – Bonfires, The Jack-O-Lantern, Dressing Up in Costume, Trick or Treating and more! For more information, call 904.540.3476 or visit www.StAugustineCityWalks.com.

GHOSTS AND GRAVESTONES FRIGHTSEEING ADVENTURES

Explore the darker side of the Nation’s Oldest City. Visit the site of the terrible tragedy that occurred in 1873 at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and on these special October dates, Ghosts & Gravestones will include complimentary admission into Riot at the Old Jail, St. Augustine’s premier haunted house. Tours are from 8 to 10 p.m. Admission is $26 per Adult and $14 per Child (ages 6 – 12). Children 5 and under are not permitted. All tours depart from The Old Jail, 167 San Marco Avenue. For more information, call 904.829.3800 or visit www.ghostsandgravestones.com.

Friday and Saturday: September 30 & October 1

3D FILMS DEBUT; PLUS, RESCUE DEMONSTRATIONS

Be there on Friday when two new films open to the public at the World Golf Hall of Fame Imax Theatre. Legends of Flight 3D takes viewers to dizzying heights and terrifying lows as it explores aircraft evolution of the past 100 years. Rescue 3D gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look into the hard, but inspiring work of saving lives. On Saturday from noon-3 p.m, The St. Johns County Fire Rescue team will use the World Golf Village as the backdrop for several thrilling demonstrations, including using a jet ski to simulate marine rescue in World Golf Village’s Kelly Lake. Local firefighters will also be explaining their tactics and giving tours of a fire truck and marine rescue and Hazmat vehicles. Throughout the day, visitors will be able to walk up and buy tickets to both Rescue 3D and Legends of Flight 3D shown on the largest movie screen in Northeast Florida for $12. In addition, admission to the World Golf Hall of Fame will only be $10 all Saturday. For tickets, show times and annual pass information, visit www.WorldGolfImax.com

Friday, Saturday and Sunday: September 30-October 2

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM

Enjoy this classic production at the Limelight Theatre. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this family-friendly musical comedy tells the bawdy story of a slave named Pseudolus and his attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master woo the girl next door. Show times through October 23 are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $20 for students and active military. The Limelight Theater is located at 11 Old Mission Avenue in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.825.1164 or visit www.Limelight-Theatre.org

THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING

Experience this powerful memoir of love and life as A Classic Theatre presents The Year of Magical Thinking written by Joan Didion. The opening production of A Classic Theatre’s 2011-12 season, The Year of Magical Thinking will star St. Augustine’s multi-award winning actress Anne Kraft under the direction of Christine Fogarty who received her BA in Theatre from Flagler College and her MFA from the University of Florida. The play will be presented in Flagler College’s Gamache-Koger Theatre in the Ringhaver Student Center, 50 Sevilla Street, St. Augustine. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on September 23, 24, 30 and October 1. Matinees will be presented at 2 p.m. on September 25 and October 2. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for students. For information, call 904.829.5807.

GOLD CITY HISTORY TOURS

Ride in comfort and style with just seven other passengers on an all- electric shuttle bus while enjoying a narrated tour of the sites of St. Augustine. This tour goes where others can’t and is personalized to allow stops whenever requested. St. Augustine Gold Tours operate from the Old Drug Store car park on Orange Street. Tours are $15, children six and over $10. Special party bookings are also available by reservation. For more information, call 904.325.0547 or go to www.staugustinegoldtours.com

El CONQUISTADOR THRILL RIDE

Go for a thrilling, high-speed, one-hour ride across Matanzas Bay aboard El Conquistador, St. Augustine’s newest thrill ride. Narrated tour features history, speed and fun aboard this powerful speedboat. El Conquistador departs from the City Marina’s Slip 73. Tickets are $39.50 for adults and $29.50 for children (ages 4-12). Free for active duty military. Special rates for groups of eight or more. For safety reasons, children under four and pregnant women are not allowed onboard. For information and reservations, go to www.elconspeedboat.com or call 904.738.4695.

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATER

Experience the first theater on St. Augustine’s St. George Street since a terrible fire destroyed the Genovar Opera House in 1914. The St. Augustine Murder Mystery Theatre features a great meal and exciting live entertainment at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $43.15 each. For more information, call 904.671.2508 or go to www.StAugustineMurderMysteryDinnerTheater.com.

YACHT OF FUN

Have a captain and a fun-equipped 22-foot boat at your service from dawn to dusk! Yacht of Fun takes up to six people on a full day of whatever passengers prefer – fishing, swimming, stopping at waterfront restaurants, sunning – you name it. The boat leaves from St. Augustine and offers the perfect way to spend a day. The rate is $60 per person for a party of six. For more information, go to www.yachtoffun.net or call Cap’n Mike at 352.246.3836

MUSIC AT SARA’S CREPE CAFÉ

Combine delicious fresh crepes, authentic Old World charm and outstanding music at Sara’s Crepe Café, 100 St. George Street in St. Augustine. From 4-7 p.m. on Friday and 3-6 p.m. on Sunday it’s Dennis Fermin’s Nuevo Flamenco and Latin Influences classical Spanish guitar; 8-11 p.m. on Friday, the dynamic duo of Maja & Gitana blend violin and acoustic guitar while singing Latin, Gypsy and Jazz.On Saturday from 7-11 p.m. and again on Sunday from 7-11 p.m., The always-popular Groov Band will provide an entertaining backdrop for delicious crepes, For more information, call 904.810.5800.

BEACH HORSEBACK RIDING

Experience the fun and excitement of horseback riding at the edge of the sea. Country Carriages offer daily one-hour rides (weather and tides permitting) from Surfside Park on Vilano Beach. The cost is $75 per person. For reservations (a must) and more information, call 904.826.1982.

Sail into nature on a 2-hour eco sail aboard a 27-foot catamaran. Glide silently into the habitats of dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. Your Captain and Naturalist will identify wildlife and offer you the chance to help sail if you like! Discount rate: $45/adult, $30/kids 12 and under. $250 for a private trip. Call for reservations. 904-377-7245. www.staugustineecotours.com

ITALIAN FESTIVAL: FEAST OF SAN GENNARO

Come experience Italian heritage at the Feast of San Gennaro. The activities include a Pizza Cook-off (you be the judge) lots of Italian foods, beer & wine, live entertainment, carnival rides, games – including volley ball and bocce ball, arts, crafts and more. It all takes place at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Park Pavilion on A1A. Admission is for $2, under 10 free. Hours are Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 904.461.8449. www.staugustineitalianfest.com.

Saturday: October 1

3RD ANNUAL THINK PINK IN OCTOBER MOTORCYCLE RUN

Bring your motorcycle and rev-it-up in support of Women’s Breast Cancer awareness! This 70-mile motorcycle ride starts at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds, located approximately 8 miles west of I-95 Exit 312 in Elkton. Registration for the ride begins at 8:30 a.m., a mandatory safety meeting takes place at 10:15 a.m. and kickstands go up at 10:30 a.m. Then at 11:30 a.m., the public is welcome to join in the fun at the Fairgrounds where there will plenty of food, vendors and entertainment. For more information and to register, visit www.thinkpinkinOctober.com.

HISTORIC WEAPONS FIRING DEMONSTRATION

Take the National Park Service’s ferry to Rattlesnake Island and experience daily military life at Fort Matanzas – the 18th century Spanish fort that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. From 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad re-enactors will demonstrate historic weapons at the fort. Admission is free. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located on A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.471.0116 or visit www.nps.gov/foma.

TREASURES AT THE FOUNTAIN

Search for the Fountain of Youth while helping raise funds for United Way. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be fun, food and games for the entire family. Then from 6 to 9:30 p.m., grown ups partake in the Groovin’ Grub & Cruisin’ at the Fountain when The Company performs live and Johnny’s Kitchen serves up tasty fresh, local cuisine. It all takes place at the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park, located at 11 Magnolia Street in St. Augustine. Admission is $23 for the whole family from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Evening Adult Party is $50 per person. For more information call 904-829-9721 or visit www.treasuresinthequarter.com.

RIPPLE EFFECT MARINELAND FACILITY GRAND OPENING

Come help Ripple Effect Eco Tours celebrate the opening of their new eco-tour facility at Marineland. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:30 p.m., followed by live bands, food, and, of course, kayaking tours, rentals, and demonstrations conducted by our staff of certified American Canoe Association guides and UF Master Naturalist Instructors. There will even be discounted canoe rentals, $10 per person, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Scheduled two-hour kayak tours are $20 per person. The new facility is located at 101 Tolstoy Lane at Marineland. For a complete schedule of activities and more information, call 904.347.1565 or visit http://rippleeffectecotours.com.

DOO-WOP MUSICAL SALUTE

Experience an exciting musical salute to The Platters, The Coasters, The Drifters and the Temptations at Fort Menendez at Old Florida Museum. Performed by Myles Savage, former lead singer from The Platters, this salute features the all-time classic songs of these immortal groups. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 (limited time, buy one-get one free!) Reservations are required. To purchase tickets, call Fort Menendez at Old Florida Museum at 904-824-8874 or visit www.oldfloridamuseum.com for more information. Fort Menendez is located at 259 San Marco Avenue St Augustine, Florida.

Sunday: October 2

KAYAK TOURS AT FAVER-DYKES STATE PARK

Come and see why the Pellicer Creek is considered one of the cleanest, most pristine waterways in all of Florida. Certified Master Naturalist guides, using expedition sea kayaks, lead this breathtaking river to sea paddle following the path of dolphins, sea turtles, fish and eagles. The tour is from 2 to 5 p.m. The cost is $55 per person which includes free admission into the park, guide service, and the finest kayaking equipment. Faver-Dykes State Park is located on Faver-Dykes Road, off US 1 South at I95 Exit 294 in St. Augustine. Space is limited so to ensure a high quality experience. 904.347.1565 www.RippleEffectEcotours.com

NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, and the Spanish Military Hospital Museum. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, St. Photios Chapel, the Pena-Peck House, the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum.

For more information on events and activities, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com or call 1.800.653.2489.
Jay Humphreys, Communications Director
St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau
29 Old Mission Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084